Five things to look out for as expanded Club World Cup kicks off
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Lionel Messi during training with his Inter Miami team ahead of the Club World Cup.
PHOTO: AFP
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ATLANTA – Despite concerns over ticket sales and player fatigue, Fifa’s new expanded Club World Cup will throw up several intriguing storylines when it kicks off on June 14 (June 15, Singapore time).
Here are five things to look out for on the pitch as teams compete to claim their share of US$1 billion (S$1.3 billion) in prize money.
1. Messi back in the spotlight
Former Barcelona great Lionel Messi has spent the last two seasons at MLS side Inter Miami, but the Club World Cup pits him against European opposition once again.
The 37-year-old still possesses supreme quality, but there are question marks over whether he and former top stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets can seriously compete against the cream of the crop.
If he nets at the tournament, Messi will become the oldest-ever Club World Cup scorer, while both he and Suarez trail the competition’s all-time top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, by two goals.
2. A new stage for Doue
France’s forward Desire Doue controls the ball in the Uefa Nations League third-place play-off against Germany in Stuttgart on June 8.
PHOTO: AFP
Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 Champions League final romp over Inter Milan was inspired by thrilling French forward Desire Doue, who turned 20 earlier in June.
His spectacular burst into the limelight over the past few months means he is one of the players to watch at the expanded 32-team tournament.
PSG’s opening clash against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles immediately gives Doue another stage to shine on, as the world at large continues to discover his immense talent.
3. Revamped City
By their lofty standards, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City endured a poor season and immediately acted in the special transfer window to bolster their Club World Cup squad.
The Abu Dhabi-owned club have already splashed more than £100 million (S$174 million) on Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki.
With Rodri also returning to fitness after injury, English Premier League side City are hoping they can step up their game significantly.
French 21-year-old attacking midfielder Cherki is an exciting talent who is looking to show his quality at the top level.
4. South American threat
While Europe’s elite are at the end of a long, hard season, South American clubs are midway through their campaigns and will be energised.
They have long revered the competition far more than European sides, as it offers a rare chance to face the very best teams in the world.
Fans who do not regularly follow South American football can look forward to discovering some of the most exciting emerging talents in the world.
River Plate’s Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono will join Real Madrid after the tournament, while Chelsea-bound striker Estevao Willian is hoping to end his time at Brazilian side Palmeiras with a bang.
5. Atletico hunger
Atletico Madrid ended the season trophyless despite looking like potential contenders in Spain and Europe.
Diego Simeone’s side take pride in having secured their place in the tournament ahead of La Liga rivals Barcelona, and the coach has been open about his determination to achieve success this summer.
“I hope we can advance in the Club World Cup and lead Atletico Madrid to a privileged position,” he said.
Atletico have not won a single trophy since lifting La Liga in 2021 and their last success outside of Spanish football came in 2018 with Europa League and Uefa Super Cup wins.
Their elimination by Real in the Champions League round of 16, after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed, proved to be a major setback.
They regained their rhythm late in the season, but by then, their prospects of winning anything had already faded. AFP
